PREVENTION

Without a cure, rabies prevention becomes crucial. Vaccination of companion animals against rabies, including horses, cannot be overemphasized. All horses are potentially at risk and should be vaccinated. Consider these points in regards to vaccination:

• The incidence of rabies in both wild and domestic animals is on the rise.
• It’s not uncommon for pastured or stalled horses to be unknowingly exposed to wildlife.
• Most exposures aren’t noticed and most bite wounds aren’t found.
• There’s significant and serious potential for human exposure from an infected animal.
• Equine rabies cases are invariably fatal.
• Vaccination of horses against rabies is safe and generally highly protective.

AAEP considers rabies a core vaccine – one every horse should receive. As a result, more veterinarians are now encouraging horse owners to vaccinate against this important disease.